Always Believe in Yourself

The following is an excerpt from a Q&A with Huda about her career journey at Integra, how her personal experiences helped shape who she is today and how she has used her voice to help create a workplace where everyone feels they can speak up and be themselves.

•    How long have you been at Integra? What does your role at Integra entail?
I joined Integra in 2018 in Global Service and Repair in EMEA and work at our Ratingen, Germany site. Since then, my role has grown. I now lead several key teams - technical customer service, team logistics, and operations. My primary focus is on keeping our service quality high, improving our processes, and making sure our teams have what they need to meet our customer’s needs effectively. It’s a busy and challenging job, but I’m passionate about it because it allows me to make a real difference for our customers, patients, and company.

•    Can you tell us more about your career journey at Integra?
When I first joined the company, I was carrying the weight of my previous work experiences, where I struggled with low self-confidence. Initially, I didn’t see myself as a leader or think I had the skills for it. But things changed when my manager and HR saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized in myself. They believed I had what it took to lead and gave me the chance to step up, not just in technical customer service, but also in managing our EMEA operations team. I took on this leadership role on a trial basis in 2019 and by the end of 2020, I was promoted to team lead. Then, in 2021, I was promoted again to my current role. Learning to take charge of my own development, grab opportunities, and push myself out of my comfort zone has been a big part of my growth. I am grateful for the support and encouragement from my manager and his leadership team. Their guidance helped me grow into a confident leader and ready to take on new challenges. My journey at Integra has shown me just how important it is to have supportive leaders and to believe in yourself, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

•    What is a moment in your career here at Integra that stands out?
Before joining Integra, I worked at companies where I couldn’t fully be myself. My religion and appearance were often prioritized over the value I could contribute, which was discouraging. However, when I joined Integra, I found a different environment where I could be 100% myself. That freedom allowed me to thrive like never before.  It wasn’t just about being accepted; it was about being valued for who I am and what I bring to the table. This transformation was possible because of the unwavering support from my manager, my colleagues, and our HR business partner. Their encouragement and guidance were crucial in helping me navigate this positive change, truly excel, and appreciate how integral it is to work in a place where authenticity is embraced and valued.

•    What would you like people to know about you on a personal level?
I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities I’ve had in my life. I owe so much of that to my mother. As the child of a refugee mother from Somalia, I grew up watching her make countless sacrifices so that I could have a better future. She left behind everything she knew to give me a chance at a life full of possibilities, and her strength and determination have paved the way for me. Not everyone gets the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m constantly aware of how lucky I am. This makes me feel a deep responsibility to make the most of what I’ve been given and to help others who haven’t had the same chances. My journey is a reflection of my mother’s love and hard work, and I treasure every opportunity because I know how rare and precious they truly are.

•    Can you talk about your role as one of the co-leaders of a WIN chapter, your recent role on the WIN panel on psychological safety, and your advice on being your authentic self?
As one of the co-leaders for the WIN Chapter in Germany, I've had the chance to be part of some really meaningful experiences. Recently, we held a panel discussion on psychological safety, which is a topic that really hits home for me. I’ve worked in environments where I didn’t feel safe to be myself—where the atmosphere wasn’t inclusive—and I know how important it is to change that. Our panel brought together people from many backgrounds, which made the conversation even richer. The advice and insights shared were both valuable and empowering. It was a reminder of how crucial it is for all of us to find our voice and feel confident in speaking up, especially in environments that need to be more inclusive. The discussion was real and honest, touching on the challenges many of us face, but also offering practical steps we can take to create workplaces where everyone feels they can speak up and be themselves. I really hope that those who participated found it as impactful as I did and that it helps us all move towards more inclusive and supportive work environments where everyone’s voice is heard.

•    How have you approached your own professional development?  And what advice do you have for others that want to develop their skills?
I’ve always believed in the power of taking charge of my own growth, knowing that I have the ability to reach as far as I’m willing to go. But just as important has been the support of the people around me and those who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. Every person I’ve crossed paths with, no matter their role or department, has taught me something valuable along the way. 

•    What is your approach to collaboration?
When I collaborate with others, I always remind myself that not everyone will see things the way I do, and that’s actually a positive thing. Different perspectives can lead to better results. I believe it's important to make the most of each person’s strengths and to create an environment where everyone feels their skills are valued. For me, clear communication and setting specific goals from the beginning are key. They help ensure everyone is on the same page, knows what’s expected, and feels comfortable sharing their ideas. 

•    How have you taken an active role in identifying opportunities for development for yourself?
I’ve always liked finding ways to fix and improve processes, so I took the initiative to look at how things were being done and found better ways to get them done. By making these improvements, I not only created more opportunities for my own growth but also helped the team work more efficiently. My manager started giving me more challenging projects, using my strengths to benefit the team. They coached me along the way, helping me develop my skills even further. This combination of taking initiative and having support has been really important for my growth and the team's success.

•    As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, what is one of your most memorable moments at Integra?
One of the most memorable times for me was when the pandemic hit, and we had to quickly close the office and pivot to working virtually. It was a time of huge uncertainty, and none of us knew what to expect. But what really stood out to me was how dedicated everyone remained to providing the same great service we’ve always been known for, even when we were all still figuring things out. This experience really showed me that our people are our greatest asset. The way everyone pulled together, adapted, and stayed committed during such a tough time was truly inspiring. It made me proud to be part of a company with such dedicated and resilient people. Even in the face of adversity, our team continued to deliver and support our customers, proving just how strong we are when we work together.